When you’re wanting ways to lower utility costs, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices pick up on your temperature preferences and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Muskogee.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer residence. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the right thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and find the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to use a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring isn’t right and you don’t want to replace it.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be an option for you.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., we’re always on the lookout for approaches to keep you comfier while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 918-682-8238. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if necessary.